John Michael Turns The Page
• RAMP has confirmed that longtime CBS Radio (now Entercom) Los Angeles programming department fixture John Michael has resigned, closing the book on 16 years of service in the building. Michael had served in the multi-pronged role of Music Coordinator and weekend talent for the World Famous KROQ, APD/MD at Top 40 KAMP (97.1 AMP Radio) and MD of Classic Hits KCBS-FM (93.1 Jack FM). Interestingly, it was less than two months ago when Michael added AMP Radio MD responsibilities to his APD duties, following the departure of longtime AMP Radio MD/midday personality Michelle Boros.
Michael began his radio career at WUMS while attending Ole Miss. That was followed by stops at WZRH/New Orleans, WRXQ/Memphis and KFMA/Tucson. In 2003 Michael was programming now defunct CBS Radio Alternative WAQZ (Channel Z)/Cincinnati when he got the call of his life and transferred out to KROQ as an on-air talent and Music Coordinator. And the rest, as they say, is radio.
RAMP enjoyed a lengthy conversation with Michael, who told us, “Sixteen years in one spot working with brands like KROQ, Jack and AMP is a pretty healthy rip for a kid from Memphis who just loves music.” Commenting on the spark that helped ignite his love of radio, Michael said, “In 1990 I actually heard a cassette tapeof KROQ and said to myself, ‘You’re allowed to do that?’ I need to go find a way to do THAT!!’ If you had told me back then that I could do that kind of radio and not have to play what everyone else was playing, or think what everyone is thinking, but I’d have to give it up after 16 years — I’d have taken that deal.”
Michael continued, “I worked with some great people in the L.A. group. They are working on some really cool things right now, even as I write. It’s tough to walk away from them for sure. But… I desperately want to reconnect with that restless kid from Memphis. Although I may not be finished with broadcasting, I’m currently managing The Breton Sound, a band from New Orleans that plays rock and roll. I don’t know entirely what I’m doing… but… I didn’t know entirely what I was doing when I started out in radio either, and that worked out pretty well.” John Michael’s many friends and fans can reach him at PalisadesJM@icloud.com.
